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Poetry: Cleansing

by Hazik Mohamed

ABLUTION




In solemn submission

Rubbing hands unlock the secrets of the Unseen

Cool water locks the power within them

Lest we forget;

The left hand is carved so is the right

Their numbers add up to 99

Attributes of the Almighty

So we may begin in humility.




Cupped palms before

Running water swells to a pool

Gargles the stale taste of rhetoric

Splashed upon the face of worldly pleasures

From the nose of arrogance

Down the sideburns of vanity

And the chin of indignity




Water envelopes the forearm of stubborn strength

Past the elbows that nudge in hurried pace

The cleansing continues

Soothing the tip of the forehead

Right to the top of the head this misguided humanity




In the crevices of the ears

Soft fingers probe the listener

While the thumb rubs the dirt of gossip

Behind the ears down the jaw-line that started it all.




Finally the firmly-planted feet are lifted

To rub off its soiled stance

Washed from the ankles down

In between toes and especially the trampling sole




Each part repeated thrice

Five times a day

In cleansed preparation

Fit only for thy Lord.

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